“Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra not only provide an insight into the original sounds of famous compositions and composers from the Romantic period with their period instruments, but they also continue to introduce new listeners to forgotten people and pieces that contributed to the lasting impression of these classic styles. The inclusion of the Eberl piece was of particular delight, especially to be played by the immensely talented ARCO.”
…a finely nuanced performance, with a glowing tone and a warm and intense rapport between the orchestra and Lehmann.
... the standard of interpretation on offer managed to achieve what very few musical experiences do these days: making you re-hear and re-configure music that you thought you had securely under your belt...the performance kept you on your toes, aurally speaking. For many of us, such demands are unusual; for several of us, they make for the best kind of musical experience. It’s hard to resist this group’s dedication to a particular style of playing which attracts for its integrity.
Sublime! That’s really the only word for this concert. Touring currently is the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra. The group is composed of the creme de la creme of players from around the world, specialists in HIP – Historically Informed Performance style ... Sharing the role of Artistic Director are two superb artists of which Australia can be very proud, violinist Rachael Beesley and Clarinetist Nicole van Bruggen ... Guest Director, early music specialist Jakob Lehmann from Berlin (whose) wealth of knowledge and sensitive interpretation shows exceptional talent ... Impeccable timing, superbly executed and obviously having a great time as well with smiles bursting forth throughout the piece. Wonderful synergy between the performers and such a joy to watch as well as to hear ... In chamber work, the responsibility for accurate execution lies with each individual. There is no hiding amongst rows of other musicians. Everything is exposed and only with outstanding musicians can you get a result as superb as this performance. I doubt it could be bettered ... It’s definitely worth subscribing to and support this ensemble. Their offering is high class, international standard and deeply satisfying. Definitely sublime!
The sense of collegiality amongst the group and their enjoyment was evident ... the balance of the whole was a veritable showcase of the tonal qualities of each instrument ... delivered with passion and commitment.
The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra is a pleasure to witness playing. From their superb skill and immensely high quality to their palpable camaraderie between the players on stage, they are a sublime experience.
★★★★½
The rapport between the musicians – and their joy in this music – obvious, and combined with Lehmann’s light touch and humour, made for an enjoyable performance.
The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra delivered yet another substantial instalment in its five-year concert history … [the] performance event was once again a perfect example of their mission statement to ‘inspire, educate, enlighten … with keen momentum, crisp, sharp bowing and a broad arsenal of articulation. Played on period instruments with an historically informed approach, [the orchestra] brought us all the excitement of volume changes, motivic effects and the contrasts of what was the newly emerging Mannheim orchestra as well as symphonic structure as a vehicle for showing off their orchestra.
With lashing strings, biting accents and punchy brass, the HIP band raised the curtain on a dynamic concert that celebrated the orchestra’s fifth birthday, its late Artistic Director Richard Gill and its future, which – if this concert was anything to go by – the band is charging into at full tilt.
There were moments of sadness – there were few dry eyes in the house during the Larghetto of Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet, performed by musicians from Gill’s period band, the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, with Nicole van Bruggen on basset clarinet – but despite the poignancy of the event, it stayed true to its initial remit: a birthday celebration which, instead of being streamed to Gill at his home, was streamed across the country.
Personally, performing with the earthy unique character of gut strings and with the freedom from compulsory modern equipment is a wonderful feeling … Led from the front, the players share their knowledge in a positive, friendly atmosphere. Surely this is music as it was meant to be made.
Where once one was branded as one type of musician or another, now young players can benefit from multidisciplinary lessons of the past to shape the music of the future.
Maxim Boon on 23 August 2018
★★★½
Rich, impassioned, and faultlessly realised, it’s a thrilling example of HIP with all the right strings attached.
AUGUST 20, 2018 by NIGHTWRITESSYDNEY
The 12 violins of the orchestra seem to create a buzzing, energetic cloud hovering over the players in a representation of the energetic tension of early spring … They take the listener through this Romantic journey with a passion reflective of the composer’s.
ANGUS MCPHERSON on AUGUST 19, 2018
How often do you hear Puccini on gut strings? The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra has carved out a niche for itself bringing a HIP sensibility and period instruments – not to mention fine playing – to the music of both the Classical and Romantic Periods.
CLASSICAL MELODIES REVIEW
by Heather Leviston
ARCO features an impressive line-up of Australian and international soloists possessing technical virtuosity and deep commitment to the music. “Historically informed” might sound overly academic and cerebral, but the players’ approach is in essence joyful and highly expressive.
ANGUS MCPHERSON on MAY 19, 2018
The ARCO Chamber Soloists delivered yet another exciting and high-quality chamber music experience in Classical Melodies, shedding light on some unusual repertoire – and showing just what period wind instruments are capable of – and bringing an intelligence and freshness to well-worn favourites.
The major event of the afternoon was to rehear Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F, Opus 68 Pastoral enlivened with ARCO's feel for balance and the distinctive originality of some of its wind players.
Richard Gill’s understated conducting style never fails to achieve the best from his musicians; his personal charm, humour and vast musicological knowledge wins audiences unfailingly. He is at the leading edge of both ARCO and the Sydney Chamber Choir, two of Sydney’s finest ensembles, well-matched in style and philosophy. What a brilliant idea to bring them together!
ARCO and its specialty repertoire of Classical and Romantic period music is an excellent gateway to the Western art music tradition. Gill himself is a charismatic educator who is mindful of conventions, but comfortable with breaking them so as to endear a composition to the audience. This is an inimitable ensemble, that excels in presenting high art to entertain and enlighten.
